US
65+ years of age
Review about Chobe National Park by mustangflyboy
Chobe was also chock full of wildlife: giraffes, hippos, impalas, sable antelopes, various birds and ample waterways to explore by boat. Great for seeing elephants swimming to island grassland and basking crocodiles along the shores.
US
65+ years of age
I was seized by the reality of the Okavango Delta upon seeing a leopard in a tree with its kill.
We booked our southern Africa tour with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT), because we had an exceptional experience with them in Egypt and Jordan in the prior year. The African tour also proved to be as seamless, from one connection to the next. July proved to be the best month for the tour: clear skies; no mosquitoes; and temperate weather, albeit cool mornings.
Upon landing on the Okavango Delta dirt strip, on July 14, we were met by our guides and driven in open "jeeps" towards Dumelang Wilderness Tented Camp. En route, we saw red lechwe and white beaked vultures. Then, our driver, a keen tracker, drove up to a tree. Perched high in the yoke was a leopard calmly eating the remains of a fresh impala. I had to remind myself that I was face-to-face with a big untamed, wild cat. In real time. We sat there for several minutes taking spectacular pictures. Then the leopard slowly let herself down to the ground. To our delight, our guide/driver paralleled the leopard as she loped through the savannah, paying no attention to us. She then stopped and sat down. Next to her was a female cub, about two months old, according to the guide. We stopped, approximately 40 yards from the cats. Then, the cub got up and walked towards us - the cub was curious! Mama leopard stayed where she was, but stood, hyper vigilant, tail pointing to the sky. The cub walked up to our jeep, looked around, then went back to her mother. All this occurred before reaching our lodge.
The amenities of the tented cabin were splendid. Big, comfortable king-size bed protected by mosquito netting, ceiling fan, 12 volt electrical system for lighting, hot and cold running water, shower, sink and flush toilet, plus adequate storage for our gear. A hot water bottle was provided for warmth to ease the cool nighttime temperatures in bed (low tech, but worked well - and its refillable, if needed).
Breakfasts were warm and hearty. Lunch was provided on the afternoon game drives in the savannah, with plenty of snacking opportunities. The evening dinners were a feast, often at the gourmet level. The constant supply of goodies reminds one of a cruise ship.
Elephant, cape buffalo, impalas, lions, hippos, crocodiles and several bird species war in abundant supply. Every game drive revealed a changing array of animals.
US
65+ years of age
Review about Botswana by mustangflyboy
Botswana is a "trip of a lifetime," but one that I need to repeat, because, the people and the land have gotten under my skin. For the first time, I "get" Africa. Photos and movies can't do it full justice. Its not really sightseeing so much as it's an experience, unlike any that I've ever had before.
Review about Linyanti Concession by Alan J Castle
In particular one of the best areas for herds of very large male elephant.
Review about Botswana by Alan J Castle
Huge variety of habitats from the massive Mgadikadi pan & the Kalahari, to the incredible Chobe reserve and of course the unique Okavavgo Delta.
BE
20-35 years of age
The smallest NP of Uganda, but great experience!
We stayed 2 days in nearby town Kisoro, before camping 3 days right outside the entrance to Mgahinga NP. Mgahinga is very small, but it stole my heart. We went tracking for Gorilla's, and without much fuss found a family of 3 juvenile males, 1 female with a 3 weeks old baby gorilla. Meeting these gentle giants was a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Though tracking was not cheap, I'd certainly recommend it in a small NP as Mgahinga. It has the advantage of less tourists, and a good chance of finding the gorilla's. The rangers were very nice, correct, informative.
In Mgahinga we also climbed the Sabinyo Vulcano (3647m) which has it's summit in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda and DRCongo. It was a steep climb (aprox. 5h) through eery alieneske vegetation, climbing ladders for the steepest parts and enjoying really breathtaking views. The descent was rather quick and enjoyable (aprox. 3h).
US
under20 years of age
Review about Botswana by Bec
I was living in Botswana at the time of my trip on the Zambezi Queen, and was lucky to be able to explore all around the country. The people are great and there's a very relaxed pace of life. The wildlife is abundant and the scenery unbeatable.
BE
20-35 years of age
Review about Uganda by roel
Uganda is a very green and fertile country, with wonderful scenery and friendly people (most of them speaking kind-of English). A minor downside is that the big wildlife is spread over several NP's (we didn't visit them all, so we didn't see girafs f.e.). I would recommend tracking Mountain Gorilla's in Mgahinga NP, a few days rest at the magical Lake Bunyonyi (we stayed at Byoona Amagara Island Retreat), tracking chimps at Kyambura Gorge (QE NP) and going for a whitewater rafting on the Victoria Nile (we went with Adrift).
In my opinion, the best travel guide to Uganda is 'Bradt Uganda'. We had so much use for this book: it's clever, informative and funny! It really added an extra dimension to our travelling in Eastern Africa!
Review about Kafue National Park by Spencer
It feels very remote and doesn't have the vibe that you're in the middle of a tourist zone like in Tanzania.
Zambia is an extraordinary country because of its lovely people and beautiful wildlife and scenery.
The wildlife was amazing. I went on safari in Tanzania after Zambia and I think I saw more interesting animals in Zambia. The scenery -- the bush, the rural areas, Vic Falls -- was all amazing as well. Accommodation was easy to find in general and not too expensive. I liked the food - nshima, fish, beef - a lot. We didn't really use any guides or private transport. For more information, you can read about my experiences in Zambia on my blog at www.aperturezambia.blogspot.com .